It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re in the middle of the summertime, but we’ve got plenty to discuss on the rumour front. Signings and trades may slow down at this point of the summer, but there could still be some action. One of the franchises that was busy in the early part of the off-season was the Utah Hockey Club. This edition of NHL rumours takes a look at the continued makeover of its defence.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Utah HC Could Deal Young Blueliner
Rumour: Insider Craig Morgan sad the Utah Hockey Club could be willing to deal restricted free agent defenceman Victor Soderstrom.
Also hearing that while Utah is open to re-signing RFA D-man Victor Söderström, the team is also exploring trades for the 2019 11th overall pick.
Söderström, 23, has yet to establish any kind of NHL foothold, totaling 53 NHL games (1 G, 11 pts.) over the past three seasons. https://t.co/QLkHzI2T4b
— Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) July 14, 2024
Analysis: Utah has been active in changing its defensive group around for its first season in Salt Lake City. General Manager Bill Armstrong has made some key moves in getting Mikhail Sergachev, Ian Cole and John Marino. The team also brought back RFA blueliner Sean Durzi on a new deal.
Utah is going to be a team that’s willing to spend money. However, some players that may have gotten chances with the Arizona Coyotes may not get a shot in Utah. Steven Kampfer was stuck in the AHL and is going over to the KHL. It’s likely were going to see other players with uncertain futures that could be possibly moved.
Getting a Foothold
Soderstrom has yet to really earn a place in an NHL lineup. The 23-year-old has only played in 53 career games across three seasons. He’s only recorded a goal and 11 points during his tenure in the NHL. The Swede has spent most of his time in Tuscon of the AHL or being a healthy scratch. However, he’s probably clamouring for game time at the NHL level.
Things really haven’t been much better at the AHL level with only 50 points through 108 games in the minors. However, he did start putting things together in Tuscon last season. Soderstrom totaled nine goals and 32 points in 62 games with the Roadrunners. These were all career-highs for the former 11th overall selection in the 2019 NHL Draft.
This Utah team isn’t messing around and wants a Stanley Cup Playoff spot. Some think the club has a long way to go, but they’ve made some huge moves. Armstrong knows the pressure is on him to get back into the post-season.
Not Enough Room
Utah has been making other signings like Barrett Hayton and Egor Sokolov in the last week. It seems like there’s not enough room for Soderstrom. However, he could be a player that pushes for a roster spot for the newly-minted team.
Soderstrom has shown some flashes in the last year, but hasn’t really lived up to his billing of being a top-15 overall pick. His transition game and passing have given some teams some hope and Armstrong could sell other clubs on those skills if a trade is in the cards.
Armstrong can probably bide his time and wait to see how things play out before making a trade. However, Soderstrom is going to have to battle it out with Michael Kesselring, Juuso Valimaki, and highly-touted prospect Maveric Lamoureux for a spot in the lineup. A trade might be the best course of action for Soderstrom to get some sustained NHL minutes.
Main photo by: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
